Tuesday, June 30, 2009

* Grab your current read* Open to a random page* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I have two this week.

"How do you like the Queen?" said the Cat in a low voice. "Not at all," said Alice; "she's so extremely-" Just then she noticed that the Queen was close behind her listening...pg. 91, Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll

"Anna Abby from New Yawk," he whispers. He's shaking, still on top of me. I move to unzip the sweatshirt and let him in, wrapping us both up, pushing him over and draping an arm and leg over him lazily.pg. 151, 20 Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Book One in the Twilight of Avalon TrilogyShe is a healer, a storyteller, a warrior, and a queen without a throne. In the shadow of King Arthur's Britain, one woman knows the truth that could save a kingdom from the hands of a tyrant...

Ancient grudges, old wounds, and the quest for power rule in the newly widowed Queen Isolde's court. Hardly a generation after the downfall of Camelot, Isolde grieves for her slain husband, King Constantine, a man she secretly knows to have been murdered by the scheming Lord Marche -- the man who has just assumed his title as High King. Though her skills as a healer are renowned throughout the kingdom, in the wake of Con's death, accusations of witchcraft and sorcery threaten her freedom and her ability to bring Marche to justice. Burdened by their suspicion and her own grief, Isolde must conquer the court's distrust and superstition to protect her throne and the future of Britain.

One of her few allies is Trystan, a prisoner with a lonely and troubled past. Neither Saxon nor Briton, he is unmoved by the political scheming, rumors, and accusations swirling around the fair queen. Together they escape, and as their companionship turns from friendship to love, they must find a way to prove what they know to be true -- that Marche's deceptions threaten not only their lives but the sovereignty of the British kingdom.

In Twilight of Avalon, Anna Elliott returns to the roots of the legend of Trystan and Isolde to shape a very different story -- one based in the earliest written versions of the Arthurian tales -- a captivating epic brimming with historic authenticity, sweeping romance, and the powerful magic of legend.

My Thoughts:

"All about them, the dusk was drawing in. Twilight, the time ofchanging, when the selkies swam in from the ocean and shed their sealskins to become the fairest of men." pg. 240

Take most of what you know about King Arthur and Camelot and forget about it. This is a grim and gritty story about the struggle for power during one of Britain's most turbulent times. Change is a constant theme in this story. It takes place in 6th centuray Britain, a time of great change. There is the continual threat of Saxon invasion, accompanied by the usual burning and pillaging of villages. The ruling class is in upheavel, due in no small part to what happens between Arthur, Gwynefar, and Modred. Isolde, the last of this ruling family, is not looked upon very kindly, even though she is married to the current High King, Constantine.

Isolde must learn to deal with her family's legacy to Britain. In doing so, Isolde eventually becomes as strong and independent as she can be. It's the 6th century, women can only do so much because they don't have any rights. Bear in mind that strong women tend to be labeled as witches also, whether there is truth to it or not. Isolde fights back against persecution and injustice, not only for herself but for Britain as well. Isolde becomes a leader, reminding the other feudal kings of their responsibility to the land and their people. In doing so, Isolde gradually wins some people to her cause.

With respect to the tragic love story between Isolde and Trystan, there are hints of it towards the end of the story. Maybe by book two or three this may be explored. Trystan also has some issues of his own to sort through, and this will probably be further delineated in the future as well. Right now there is too much upheavel occurring for a romance to develop, although there may have been some feelings between these in the past. It's at lease hinted at.

Elliott's writing brings all of her characters to life, both the principal and supporting cast. You despise the ones you should, and empathize with the ones who need the most love and understanding. There are a few scenes which were emotional for me, but remember these were brutal times. Elliott never forgets that and describes it as such.

Overall this was a very enjoyable book. This is book one of a planned trilogy, therefore most of this story is laying the groundwork for Books two and three. Regardless, the story moved quickly and was quite interesting. This is not a romance story, at least not yet. This is an epic and tragic retelling of turbulent times in Britain's long history, with an extremely strong and accomplished young woman at it's center. According to Elliott this story is a blend of legend and truth, and she is quite right. Isolde is certainly legendary in her own right.

"The stars will shine tomorrow, whatever happens to me here." pg. 15

My Rating: 95/100 I throughly enjoyed this darker re-telling of these legendary characters.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Do you restrict yourself on how many books you take out from the library at a time? Do you borrow books if you already have some out? Do you always reborrow books you don’t get to?

Ha-ha-ha. This depends on the visit. I try to make one visit to the library and only borrow four books or so, depending on their size. I have recently started borrowing books while I have some out. This usually happens because my lunch time partners can't go to lunch and I have nothing else to do. So I walk to the library and get a book or two out.

I do try to go in with a plan, such as these are the books I'm looking for and that's it. But then I see a pretty cover or two and it's all over. I come home with books I never heard of. I don't always re-borrow books. It depends on the book and if I really want to read at that time. If it's something I just picked up out of the blue, I'm more likely to return it. I can renew books online from my library, so that helps a lot.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Meet three women who are as different as could be—at least that’s what they think—and the men who’ve turned their lives upside down as their paths collide in sizzling, sexy Miami. . . .Ranya is a modern-day princess—brought up behind the gilded walls of Saudi Arabian high society and winner of the dream husband sweepstakes . . . until said husband turns out to be more interested in Paolo, the interior-decorator-cum-underwear-model, than in his virginal new wife.

Smart, independent, but painfully shy, Zahra has managed to escape her impoverished Palestinian roots to carve out a life of comfort. But she can’t reveal her secrets to the man she adores or shake off the fear that she doesn’t deserve any of it. Neither can she stop herself from thinking that if she holds on to anything—or anyone—too dearly, they will be taken away in the blink of a kohl-lined eye.

Rio has risen above the slums of her native Honduras—not to mention the jeers of her none too supportive family—to become editor in chief of Suéltate magazine, the hottest Latina-targeted glossy in town, and this in spite of Georges Mallouk, her clueless boss, and in spite of Rio’s affair with Georges’ delicious but despicable younger brother, Joe.

In this city of fast cars, sleek clubs, and unapologetic superficiality, Ranya, Zahra, and Rio wrestle with the ties that bind them to their difficult pasts, each wondering if she will ever manage to cut loose.

My Thoughts:

The story is told from the perspective of the three girls, Ranya, Zahra, and Rio. Each chapter is a different narrator, but the main story arc is Ranya's story. She meets Rio and Zahra along the way.

Each woman's story gives information on their cultural backgrounds, helping to explain their actions and thoughts. This was very interesting to me, because the culture a person is raised in affects their lives. Their behavior, thoughts, and beliefs, whether they realize it or not is influenced by their culture. No culture is better than another. You accept it for what it is and make no judgements. (For a more in depth discussion of culture, pick up any anthropology book. You will not be disappointed.)

All three women are strong and smart, and are on the edge of cutting loose from what their parents and family say they should do with their lives. They are ready to grow up. I liked Ranya and Rio, but Zahra was another matter. She tended to wallow in self pity for most of her chapters, and not really take control until the end. (Hey, I have some meat on my bones too, but I suck it up and try to work out...know what I mean?) Rio and Ranya would have doubts, but then pick themselves up immediately and carry on. These are two girls that one could have a fun time with.

The book moved rather quickly. The story starts in London and moves to Miami quickly. Descriptions of South Beach and the people who hang out at the clubs there seem to be spot on. My only problem with the book was towards the end. I kept waiting for a friendship to develop between these girls, maybe a lunch date or going out for coffee, but that never seems to happen. They all remain pretty separate. Yet, Rio and Zahra make some comments as if they were "friends" with Ranya. They seem to care about Ranya. It's weird to describe, but the best I can say is that it's a bit jumbled at the end. Although, I don't think it takes away from the story too much. The fates of all three gals are wrapped up for the most part.

Overall this was a quick, lighthearted, and fun read. Definitely good for the beach or for occupying your mind.

My Rating: 85/100

Does this sound good to you? Would you like to win your very own copy?

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

I have been fortunate enough to receive some awards the past several weeks. They have really brightened up my days, making me smile and laugh when I receive them.

Life has been a little coo-coo lately. Work is super busy and I need to have an MRI tomorrow. I'll explain all that health stuff when I have some concrete answers. Let's just say it has been a whirl wind of events and tests.

Anyway on to the purpose of this post, giving thanks to the wonderful bloggers who gave me some very cool rewards:

From DesertRose at the DeSeRtRoSeBoOkLoGuE I received the Literary Blogger Award. The Literary Blogger Award acknowledges bloggers who energize & inspire reading by going the extra mile. These amazing bloggers make reading fun & enhance the delight of reading!Thank you Desert Rose. You are one phenomenal blogger. How you manage to do all that you do, I'll never know. You are inspiring!

From tinylittlelibrarian at Tiny Little Reading Room I received a One Lovely Blog Award. This award goes to new blogs and blogging friends you have discovered. Thank you Tiny! I usually lurk on your blog but will an effort to comment in the future.

And last but not least, from Sassy Brit at Alternative-Read I received another Lemonade Award. I just found Sassy's blog recently and there are some cool alternative books over there. Check her out if you are looking for something different.

Thank you everyone for all of these wonderful awards! I am very sorry it took me so long to acknowledge your kindness. I am very glad to have met all of you and I look forward to lots more correspondence in the future.

Now this is a challenge I can sink my teeth into. Keishon from the avidbookreader is running this challenge. Basically you read a title from your TBR list with a publication dates of 2008 or earlier. I have plenty of those, some compliments of avidbookreader.

There are also suggested themes each month this year. Not sure I can follow that, but I'll certainly give it a try. Reviews are due the third Wednesday of each month, which means I have to get reading on my first title.

Oh, and since I joined several challenges this year, I will definitely try to cross cover my challenges. Gosh I love to read!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Grab your current readOpen to a random pageShare two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that pageBE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

So this week I am back to reading one book. I couldn't finish The Jungle, but I did finish Cutting Loose. My review will be up as soon as I catch up on my real job, you know the one that pays the bills and health insurance :)

Enjoy!

"He [Trystan] paused. Then: 'Besides. Dead bodies would give away our escape just as much as live ones. And if we're not well away by the time they wake and sound an alarm, it's because we're already dead ourselves.' "

pg. 333, The Twilight of Avalon by Anna Elliott

This is not your typical romance book, so I don't think I'll be using for my challenges. Not your typical Arthurian legend either. I'm only on page 151 but it is very good so far.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

This challenge was started by Alex, and I immediately joined because I like that time period. England was on top of the world during Queen Victoria's reign. The clothes, the decorum of society, and the scandals, oh my! All of this makes for good reading.

A stunning novel about two women and two marriages -- George Eliot at the end of her life, and another woman a century later.

The year is 1880 and the setting is Venice. Marian Evans -- whose novels under the pen name George Eliot have placed her among the famed Englishwomen of her time -- has come to this enchanted city on her honeymoon. Newly married to John Cross, twenty years her junior, she hopes to put her guilt to rest. Marian lived, unmarried, with George Henry Lewes for twenty-five years, until his death. She took a tremendous risk and paid a high price for that illicit union, but she also achieved happiness and created art. Now she wants to love again. In this new marriage, in this romantic place, can this writer give herself the happy ending that she provided for Middlemarch’s Dorothea Brooke?

The parallel story of a sculptor named Caroline Spingold brings us to Venice one hundred years later, in 1980. Caroline’s powerful, wealthy older husband has brought her to the city against her will, to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary. Having spent a perfect childhood summer in Venice with her parents, before her father left her mother, Caroline had vowed never to return.

In alternating chapters linked by the themes of art, love, and marriage, The World Before Her tells of these two women -- and their surprising similarities. In a city where the canals reflect memory as much as light, they both confront desire, and each assesses what she has and who she is. At the heart of this sumptuously and evocatively written novel lies the eternal dilemma of how to find love and sustain it, without losing one’s self.

My Thoughts:

The book starts with Marion Evans and then each chapter alternates thereafter. I thought that would be confusing but the length of the chapters is perfect. Just enough information about the woman and her particular situation before pausing for the other woman's installment.

Although these women are separated by 100 years, they are experiencing the same situation. Their marriages have 20 year age differences, and both have learned things about their spouses that causes them to reflect on their lives and choices. A great deal of introspection and reflection on their joyous pasts, both of which include a previous gloriously happy trip to Venice. Not so this time around.

In Marion's story, we learn tidbits of her life with George Lewes, which include hanging out with Clara Schumann and Liszt. We also get a glimpse of her marriage to George, and the consequences of that union. With respect to Caroline, we witness her growing up in both her thought process and actions. She learns to see the world as it really is, and acts accordingly. Something Marion could never really do given the constraints of Victorian England.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing was lovely and the chapters were done perfectly. The descriptions of Venice and its beautiful treasures of art were excellent and transported me to both 1880 and 1980.

I could smell the canals.

I must admit I did not know who Marion Evans was, and my feelings went out to her. Caroline too, but more so for Marion because she was trapped in her situation. Middlemarch was already on my tbr, but I will be moving that up. All in all an excellent book, which completely surprised me.

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

This week I have not one, not two, but THREE, yes Three teasers to share.

I've never read three books at one time before, but I am handling it well.

So here goes:

#1

"Ever worked in Chicago before?" the man inquired, and whether it was a good angel that put it into Jurgis's mind, or an intuition of his sharpened wits, he was moved to answer, "No, sir."

pg. 237, The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

#2

"He's going to kiss me. Of course he is. He'd only been pawing me for an entire evening. But is he going to more than kiss me? And at which point exactly do I confess my utter ignorance in these matters and ask him politely if we could just call it a night?"

pg. 241, Cutting Loose by Nadine Dajani

#3

Again Trystan was silent a space before replying, and Isolde saw indecision flicker across his face. Then he seemed to make up his mind. "No", he said. Kian opened his mouth to protest, but Trystan held up a hand. "No," he said again. "I'll go."

pg. 261, Twilight of Avalon by Anna Elliott

Why three books? The Jungle is for book club, and it's very sad and disturbing. I like to read for fun. Therefore I started Cutting Loose. Totally liking that. Twilight of Avalon I picked up at the library yesterday, because my lunch time friends couldn't take lunch yesterday. What else was I supposed to do with myself but walk to the library? But I was good. I only borrowed that one book...to add to the other three at home :)

Monday, June 8, 2009

Do you have a set reading time (before bed, perhaps)? Do you read more at night or during the day? Is there a day of the week, perhaps, that you set aside to catch up on reading?

I read every night before bed, which is probably why I can't get up in the mornings. Sometimes it's so hard to put that book down! I also read on the way to and from work. I take the subway so it's pretty easy. I like to able to hear what's going on around me on subway, in case there is any trouble. You have to aware of your surroundings, however sometimes when the book is really good, I block everything else out. I've never missed my stop though.

I've never a set a day aside, but I am thinking about it. Any time spent aside is usually for knitting or catching up on emails and blog reading /lurking.

Meet three women who are as different as could be—at least that’s what they think—and the men who’ve turned their lives upside down as their paths collide in sizzling, sexy Miami. . . .Ranya is a modern-day princess—brought up behind the gilded walls of Saudi Arabian high society and winner of the dream husband sweepstakes . . . until said husband turns out to be more interested in Paolo, the interior-decorator-cum-underwear-model, than in his virginal new wife.

Smart, independent, but painfully shy, Zahra has managed to escape her impoverished Palestinian roots to carve out a life of comfort. But she can’t reveal her secrets to the man she adores or shake off the fear that she doesn’t deserve any of it. Neither can she stop herself from thinking that if she holds on to anything—or anyone—too dearly, they will be taken away in the blink of a kohl-lined eye.

Rio has risen above the slums of her native Honduras—not to mention the jeers of her none too supportive family—to become editor in chief of Suéltate magazine, the hottest Latina-targeted glossy in town, and this in spite of Georges Mallouk, her clueless boss, and in spite of Rio’s affair with Georges’ delicious but despicable younger brother, Joe.

In this city of fast cars, sleek clubs, and unapologetic superficiality, Ranya, Zahra, and Rio wrestle with the ties that bind them to their difficult pasts, each wondering if she will ever manage to cut loose.

I just started this book over weekend and like it so far. It's a quick, fun read. Nothing too heavy. It starts it London, and moves to Miami, so how the locales are good. And it's giving me a little background on what it's like to be a young Palestinian, Saudi Arabian, or South American, woman. Cultutres I don't read much about.

Sound interesting? Would you like to win a copy in time for beach season? I have one copy I'm giving away, courtesy of Nadine Dajani herself.

So here is the giveaway 411:

Deadline for entry is midnight, EST, Saturday, June 27, 2009.

Must be 18 years old to enter.

One entry for leaving a comment on this post with your email address.

An extra entry if you post about it on your blog. Just send me the link.

Open internationally, but no P.O. Boxes please.

Good luck everyone!

And for more information about this book and the suthor, stop by Nadine's website.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

These are the rules:1. Mention who tagged you.2. List six unimportant things that make you happy.3. Tag six more blogs, then go and comment on their blogs. Let them know that they have been challenged, and invite them to play along.

I'm a little perplexed at what unimportant means. I'm assuming it means random things or activities that provide me with some happiness. I seriously thought about this meme, because besides the obvious of books and knitting, what makes me happy. There are quite a few things, but I believe I have whittled down my list to the important ones.

So, here is my list of six unimportant things that make me happy:

A good cup of coffee. For me, there is nothing like a good cup of coffee, any time of the day. I love the aroma when the beans are freshly ground, and also when it's brewing. My favorite coffee is Kona coffee from Hawaii. Hubby and I were there for two glorious weeks in November. We certainly became quite accustomed to having Kona coffee available 24/7. Here is a picture of a coffee farm we visited.

Cuddling with my hubby, doggie or both. It just makes me feel so happy and loved :) Besides, they are my family. Hubby is a private person, so no photos, and I love this one of Lucky.

Hanging out with friends in our back yard or at lunch with my knitting buddies. I always have a good time with either group and am always laughing about something.

Finishing a project at work. I know that may sound corny or cheesy, but the projects at work tend to drag on for quite some time. We're talking months here people. Therefore, when I can finish one and put the files away, the sense of accomplishment and finality makes me very happy.

My alone time. I love my hubby, but I also enjoy my alone time. I've always been very comfortable spending time by myself, whether it's knitting or reading or just sitting at the park. You are your own best friend.

Knowing that some day I will retire to Hawaii. I know this sounds like a pipe dream, and impossible, but I've done the research, and it is quite possible. Provided neither my husband or myself have a serious chronic condition or illness, it is definitely doable. Heck, I would move there tomorrow if I could, but we can't leave our parents. Believe me, we have thought about it. So someday, I'll be blogging from the Big Island.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Another romance challenge, you may be asking yourself? Don't I already belong to one? Why yes, yes I do, but I just couldn't resist joining another. Besides, I think joining this one, will help me to work on the other one. Plus both challenges have lovely pictures. I already judge books by their covers, why not challenges too?

So here are the guidelines:

This challenge begins on June 1st and finishes on November 30, 2009, although you can sign up anytime. To complete the challenge the title or author's name will need to begin with the letters R-O-M-A-N-C-E and must be classified as a romance novel (this includes as romance sub genre including contemporary, historical or paranormal). Books can crossover with any other challenges but must be reviewed to be counted.

The House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres have always existed. In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire--that is, if she makes it through the Change. Not all of those who are chosen do.

It’s tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends, and on top of that, Zoey finds she is no average fledgling. She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx. But she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers. When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite club, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny--with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

My Thoughts:

This book hits the ground running. By page three, Zoey is Marked and must make her way to the House of Night, her new high school. Leaving her friends and family behind, Zoey must start over. But could this be a blessing in disguise? I certainly think so. The only person that Zoey will miss terribly is her Grandmother, who is Cherokee and completely understands Zoey's situation. Her Grandmother is very proud of her and knows she will succeed and be fine.

All of my high school memories came flooding back to me while I read this book. Starting a new school, making new friends, having to deal with the popular people...all of these issues may be cliche, but they make for good reading. Especially when the narrator, Zoey, is one snarky chick. I chuckled to myself quite a few times from the things she said. Her friends though do show their age from time to time, but that is to be expected.

I know there have been a rash of vampire themes in books lately, but when it's done right, like this one, they make for interesting reading. The vampire mythology is different in this set of books. It is mystical and spiritual, incorporating the magical elements of nature. If that makes any sense :) Yes they drink blood, but I didn't really get to that part yet.

This book covers a short period of time in Zoey's life, so the storyline is continued in Book 2.

In the dedication of this book, the authors mention vampire finishing school, and that describes the House of Night perfectly. The issues separating humans and vampires are touched on lightly in the story, so I assume this is delineated further in one of the following books. I am curious as to how this universe works. This book sets up the series and allows Zoey time to get acquainted with her new life and friends before all hell breaks loose. There are 5 books so something must break out somewhere.

All in all this was a good read. It was quick, light, and fun. Zoey is an excellent lead character and not your typical, OMG, teenager. She seems to be more mature than most, and I think that's why I liked her so much. But she still gets fluttery around her favorite guy, and that's very cute!

Monday, June 1, 2009

How much time (or how many pages) do you give a book that you aren't really enjoying before you'll set it aside? If you're reading it for a book group discussion, or for review, will you give it more of a chance then, say, a book you're reading for your own interest? Why, or why not? (courtesy of MizB)

I usually do not give books very long, although it depends on the book. Some I know by page 20, that it's not for me. Other books I try to give them a chance to develop the story. There are two books that I gave at least 100 pages to before I gave up: Portrait of a Lady by Henry James and Kushiel's Chosen by Jacqueline Carey. Portrait I just couldn't get into it, for the third time. See my reasons here. Kushiel, I tried, but I just didn't care about the story the characters, nothing. I never read book 1 so I had to get the background information from the Internet for some things in book 2. I don't mind being slightly in the dark, but some of the stuff just didn't make sense. Say what? Exactly!

If it's a book for review or book club, which I'm fairly new to, then yes, I will give it more of a chance. Books for review... I've accepted the opportunity to read a free book, so yes it deserves a fair chance. I can't say I've accepted a review book I wasn't interested in, so I have liked them all. However, if I do come across one I don't like, I have to finish to write a review, don't I? Or at least read a majority of the book. It's only fair.

Books for book club...if I don't like, I won't finish it. My club is not strict about that. Just have a good reason.

Home of the Three Reasons Review

About Me

I adore reading, knitting, watching TV, and laughing with friends. I occasionally go on a health kick too, but balance it with ice cream.
I'll never accomplish everything I would like, but I will sure as hell try.
Life is too short!